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7 · Friday, November 11, 2011 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com Children wish their dad could see them grow up Continued from page 2 night -- however poorly -- the only songs he knew, Onward Christian Soldiers s and O Canada. Sunday mornings, when he was home, had their own ritual. "When M.J. would arrive, still in her sleepwear, he would say, `Dance with me, my loving bride.' Although he had two left feet, for whatever reason, M.J. always complied," Newton said. The loving father and husband and military star was on a reconnaissance task, working with international organizations when tragedy struck. "On the morning of May 18, M.J. instinctively knew something was wrong. An e-mail that Alex had sent to her father the day before had gone unanswered. U.S. television networks were reporting a major incident in Kabul," Newton said. "M.J.'s instincts were soon realized when a Canadian Forces black military vehicle arrived at her front door just as the children were leaving for school." After the luncheon, the Parker family stopped to chat with the Beaver r about life over the past 18 months since that day. "This is the first thing we've attended for my husband," M. J. said. "We're honoured to be invited here. This is one of the first outings we've made with the children apart from his memorial "M.J.'s instincts were soon realized last February." Coping with the loss has its challenges, M.J. when a Canadian Forces black said, but the family takes each day, one at a time. military vehicle arrived at her front When asked how their mother is doing, Charlie door just as the children were said, "We have our ups and downs, but overall leaving for school." very well." Both children said they wish their father Lt. Col. Jenny Newton could see them grow up. "He was their best friend. He was their father and their best friend. They miss him tremendously. It's a great loss to our family," M.J. said. ber of Team Canada in 1972, led the blessing "They are my priority and no one else. I mourn of the food. He spoke of the great Canadian spirit evident for my children. We're a team of three." The event also included speeches from Oakville MP Terence Young, MPP Kevin Flynn and Regional Chair Gary Carr. Poetry was recited by veterans Jim Watson and James Holmes and a song was performed by Bob Reid. Dignitaries, including local politicians, Brigadier General Julian C. Chapman and Halton Regional Police Deputy Chief Bob Percy, laid wreaths. There was also a fly past by a plane from the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum. Former Toronto Maple Leafs Ron Ellis, who played in the Summit Series as a mem- i our soldiers and compared it to playing in against the Soviet team. He also said he was a proud of the military history in his family. His p father joined the air force during the Second f World War, though he did not see action during W that conflict. t "One of the most proud days I ever had as a father was when my father pinned wings on my f son at a very special event at RMC (Royal s Military College)," he said. "I'm very proud of M them, both my father and my son." t For photos of the 10th anniversary Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, see page 10. British Goods Jams, chocolates, cookies, teas and more Fresh Meat Specials: Boneless Chicken Breast - 9.99/kg Beef Shortloin - 14.99/kg New York Steaks - 12.99/kg Inside Round Roast - 7.49/kg Porkchops - 4.49/kg (Special runs Friday, November 4th to Thursday, November 10th) Hot Lunches Daily Specials, soup and sandwiches Available Tuesday to Friday 12-3 Fresh Meat and Meat Pies Beef, poultry, sausage and pork 1029 Speers Road, Unit #10 Oakville Ontario Tues. - Fri. 9-6, Sat. 8-4, Closed Sunday and Monday Telephone: (905)845-1960 Located in the Joshua Creek Furniture plaza West of Fourth Line